# Thanksgiving break with kids in Minneapolis

> 32 Thanksgiving parades, turkey trots, break camps and things to do with kids in the Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington area over Thanksgiving break 2026, each linked to the organizer’s own page with the date we last checked it.

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 2, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-01), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/thanksgiving

Towns with listings: Minneapolis (8), Burnsville (2), Saint Paul (2), Albertville (1), Apple Valley (1), Bloomington (1), Buffalo (1), Champlin (1), Chanhassen (1), Downtown River Falls (1), Edina (1), Elk River (1), Excelsior (1), Forest Lake (1), Hudson (1), Inver Grove Heights (1), Minnetonka (1), St Paul (1), St. Paul (1), Taylors Falls (1), Waconia (1), Wayzata (1), White Bear Lake (1).

## Quick answers

### Where is there a turkey trot for kids near Minneapolis?

8 listings, the soonest 4: [Run Now, Gobble Later 5K & Fun Run (Burnsville)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/run-now-gobble-later-5k-and-fun-run-burnsville--listing-af94cc7ad276e0c24aa621b3) (Sat, Nov 21, From $21); [Chanhassen Turkey Trot 5K with Kids Dash and Kids' Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/chanhassen-turkey-trot-5k-with-kids-dash-and-kids-fun-run--listing-84bbb342736307b55d1d5efc) (Thu, Nov 26, With admission); [Fast Before the Feast Turkey Trot: Turkey Dash Kids' Half-Mile, 5K and 10K (White Bear Lake)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/fast-before-the-feast-turkey-trot-turkey-dash-kids-half-mile-5k-and-10--listing-197b249ac8a394234cde33de) (Thu, Nov 26, Paid); [Forest Lake Rotary Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/forest-lake-rotary-turkey-trot-5k-and-1-mile-fun-run--listing-fb033e1ed16a0dfdb236363c) (Thu, Nov 26, Paid).

### What free Thanksgiving break events are there for kids in Minneapolis?

6 listings, the soonest 4: [Drop-In Discoveries: Turkey Talk (Richardson Nature Center)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/drop-in-discoveries-turkey-talk-richardson-nature-center--listing-f15ca8c9d6a1bcc7f8be1cee) (Sun, Nov 22, Free); [Ballet Tuesdays: Nutcracker in Wonderland (Landmark Center)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/ballet-tuesdays-nutcracker-in-wonderland-landmark-center--listing-eed96ace86158fb68b1feca1) (Tue, Nov 24, Free); [Winter Lighting Ceremony (Burnsville)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/winter-lighting-ceremony-burnsville--listing-9426e022f3e10b5da9edc07e) (Wed, Nov 25, Free); [Buena Vista: A Stroll in the Park (Hudson holiday lights)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/buena-vista-a-stroll-in-the-park-hudson-holiday-lights--listing-31d97288f59ffc3a78255ef9) (Fri, Nov 27, Free).

## Dated events

### Minneapolis (8)

- [Drumstick Dash Thanksgiving Day Events: Cranberry Kids Half Mile and Cranberry Cruise Mile (Lake Harriet)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/drumstick-dash-thanksgiving-day-events-cranberry-kids-half-mile-and-cr--listing-7894a6be4e85e8460d34fa72) — Thu, Nov 26 · 7:30 AM – 9:45 AM · Lake Harriet (west side) · From $11.60 · checked Oct 30. Thanksgiving morning races on Lake Harriet: the Cranberry Kids Half Mile and the Cranberry Cruise One Mile (strollers OK) run 7:30-8:00 am, followed by the Pi Run (one lap, 3.14…
- [Turkey Day 5K (Twin Cities In Motion, downtown Minneapolis) — kids 18 and under free](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/turkey-day-5k-twin-cities-in-motion-downtown-minneapolis-kids-18-and-u--listing-0470a71db2c8e4de60f76c55) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM · Downtown Minneapolis (race hub: Viking Longhouse at U.S. Bank Stadium) · All ages · With admission · checked Oct 30. Minneapolis' big Thanksgiving morning 5K loops through downtown with festive on-course entertainment; joggers, walkers and strollers are welcome. Kids 18 and under run free…
- [ASL-Interpreted and Audio-Described Performances — A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie Theater](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/asl-interpreted-and-audio-described-performances-a-christmas-carol-at--listing-9df2a6272a82bd43edb2e535) — Sat, Nov 28 (+1 more date) · Guthrie Theater - Wurtele Thrust Stage · Paid · adaptive · checked Oct 27. Two performances of the Guthrie Theater's A Christmas Carol are adapted for Deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind and low-vision theatergoers: certified interpreters sign the show in…
- [Holly Trolley: Streetcar Rides with Santa (Como-Harriet Line)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/holly-trolley-streetcar-rides-with-santa-como-harriet-line--listing-93526a7d61fc12a200edc632) — Sat, Nov 28 (+3 more dates) · 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM · Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, Linden Hills Station · All ages · From $5 · checked Oct 30. Ride the historic, holiday-decorated streetcar with Santa (about 25 minutes, so he can visit with each child), then toast a marshmallow by the fire; Boy Scouts sell hot drinks…
- [Julglädje: A Family Holiday Concert (American Swedish Institute)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/julgladje-a-family-holiday-concert-american-swedish-institute--listing-027d8530d8e3535ff1539d64) — Sat, Nov 28 (+1 more date) · 9:00 AM · American Swedish Institute (Larson Hall, Nelson Cultural Center) · From $12 · checked Oct 16. ASI's annual family holiday concert in Larson Hall. Ross Sutter and friends (Cheryl Paschke on fiddle, Marya Hart on piano, Rose Arrowsmith as Tomte Kajsa) perform Swedish and…
- [Santa's Storytime Trolley (Como-Harriet Line)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/santa-s-storytime-trolley-como-harriet-line--listing-d80b7a2584e82ee6beb975ed) — Sat, Nov 28 · 5:00 PM · Como-Harriet Streetcar Line, Linden Hills Station · From $15 · checked Oct 30. An evening streetcar trip where Santa reads a traditional Christmas story and spends time with each child, a smaller, quieter Santa visit than the daytime rides. Tickets…
- [Relaxed Performance — A Christmas Carol at the Guthrie Theater](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/relaxed-performance-a-christmas-carol-at-the-guthrie-theater--listing-a7c80721a6e11897bf2fc6d7) — Sun, Nov 29 · 6:00 PM · Guthrie Theater - Wurtele Thrust Stage · From $36 · sensory-friendly · checked Oct 27. The Guthrie Theater holds one relaxed performance of its 52nd annual A Christmas Carol on the Wurtele Thrust Stage. It is open to everyone but intentionally modified for people…
- [Sensory-Friendly Performance — Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Children's Theatre Company)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/sensory-friendly-performance-dr-seuss-s-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas--listing-eacd59120370107710492d53) — Sun, Nov 29 (+1 more date) · Children's Theatre Company - UnitedHealth Group Stage · From $25 · sensory-friendly · checked Oct 27. Children's Theatre Company runs two Sensory Friendly performances of its holiday musical Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, the big Whoville show on the UnitedHealth…

### Other towns in the Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington area (24)

- [Family "Thanksgiving" Bingo (Champlin)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/family-thanksgiving-bingo-champlin--listing-7f89946c399473de79443c61) — Fri, Nov 20 · 5:15 PM – 9:00 PM · Mississippi Crossings Event Center, Champlin · From $8 · checked Oct 16. A family bingo night at the Mississippi Crossings Event Center. Players get 10 games of bingo, each on its own card. Every game awards one adult winner a frozen turkey and one…
- [Run Now, Gobble Later 5K & Fun Run (Burnsville)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/run-now-gobble-later-5k-and-fun-run-burnsville--listing-af94cc7ad276e0c24aa621b3) — Sat, Nov 21 · 9:15 AM – 11:00 AM · North River Hills Park, Burnsville · All ages · From $21 · checked Oct 24. Burnsville's annual pre-Thanksgiving 5K and fun run at North River Hills Park, open to all ages and abilities. Registration opens at 9:15 a.m. and the race starts at 10 a.m…
- [Thanksgiving on the Farm](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/thanksgiving-on-the-farm--listing-7f2bebff02099a13df19e2c7) — Sat, Nov 21 · 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Oliver H. Kelley Farm, Elk River · Paid · checked Oct 13. Step into the past at the Oliver H. Kelley Farm to experience how rural families celebrated Thanksgiving in the 1860s and discover the connection between the land and the holiday…
- [Drop-In Discoveries: Turkey Talk (Richardson Nature Center)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/drop-in-discoveries-turkey-talk-richardson-nature-center--listing-f15ca8c9d6a1bcc7f8be1cee) — Sun, Nov 22 · 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM · Richardson Nature Center, Bloomington · All ages · Free · checked Oct 30. A drop-in, outdoor nature hour on wild turkeys the Sunday before Thanksgiving, with a naturalist on hand and self-guided activities such as a short hike, exhibits or exploration…
- [Ballet Tuesdays: Nutcracker in Wonderland (Landmark Center)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/ballet-tuesdays-nutcracker-in-wonderland-landmark-center--listing-eed96ace86158fb68b1feca1) — Tue, Nov 24 · 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM · Landmark Center (Musser Cortile), Saint Paul · Free · checked Oct 16. A free lunchtime dance program in the Musser Cortile with Ballet Co.Laboratory, previewing Nutcracker in Wonderland, which combines The Nutcracker and Alice in Wonderland…
- [Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Apple Valley)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/holiday-tree-lighting-ceremony-apple-valley--listing-f3e95e7acd402e5ee4d9131a) — Tue, Nov 24 · 6:15 PM · Apple Valley Municipal Center · checked Oct 16. The City of Apple Valley's annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is held outdoors at the Municipal Center on Tuesday evening, November 24, just before that night's City Council…
- [Winter Lighting Ceremony (Burnsville)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/winter-lighting-ceremony-burnsville--listing-9426e022f3e10b5da9edc07e) — Wed, Nov 25 · 6:00 PM · Nicollet Commons Park, Burnsville · Free · checked Oct 16. Burnsville's Heart of the City lights up each winter with more than 100,000 mini lights, 230 streetlight snowflakes and a 30-foot tree. The season starts with the annual Winter…
- [Chanhassen Turkey Trot 5K with Kids Dash and Kids' Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/chanhassen-turkey-trot-5k-with-kids-dash-and-kids-fun-run--listing-84bbb342736307b55d1d5efc) — Thu, Nov 26 · Chanhassen High School · All ages · With admission · checked Oct 30. Chanhassen's chip-timed Thanksgiving morning 5K, where everyone gets a donut at the finish. Kids 11 and under can do the 5K Kid's Division Fun Run with an untimed bib, and kids 8…
- [Fast Before the Feast Turkey Trot: Turkey Dash Kids' Half-Mile, 5K and 10K (White Bear Lake)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/fast-before-the-feast-turkey-trot-turkey-dash-kids-half-mile-5k-and-10--listing-197b249ac8a394234cde33de) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:35 AM · White Bear Lake County Park · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. A Thanksgiving Day tradition on the paved lakeside trail at White Bear Lake County Park with a half-mile Turkey Dash for kids, a 5K and a 10K; part of the proceeds support local…
- [Forest Lake Rotary Turkey Trot 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/forest-lake-rotary-turkey-trot-5k-and-1-mile-fun-run--listing-fb033e1ed16a0dfdb236363c) — Thu, Nov 26 · 9:00 AM · Forest Lake City Center (Hardwood Creek Trail) · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. The Rotary Club of Forest Lake's 9th annual Thanksgiving morning 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on the Hardwood Creek Trail behind Forest Lake City Center, open to runners, walkers and…
- [Forge Fitness Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk (downtown Buffalo)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/forge-fitness-turkey-trot-5k-run-walk-downtown-buffalo--listing-d69870d422188a32ffb26497) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:45 AM · Downtown Buffalo · All ages · From $10.80 · checked Oct 30. A family- and dog-friendly Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk in downtown Buffalo; strollers are encouraged for little ones and dogs must be leashed. Kids under 18 register for…
- [Tonka Turkey Trot 5K and Turkey Scoot Kids' Dash (Minnetonka)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/tonka-turkey-trot-5k-and-turkey-scoot-kids-dash-minnetonka--listing-92d8f261ba65cfcc6cb53f4c) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM · Minnetonka High School (Tonka Dome) · All ages · From $5 · checked Oct 30. A family-focused Thanksgiving morning 5K run/walk that starts and finishes at Minnetonka High School and loops through nearby neighborhoods; turkey costumes encouraged. Kids can…
- [Turkey Day Trail Trot with 3K Kids Run (Battle Creek Regional Park)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/turkey-day-trail-trot-with-3k-kids-run-battle-creek-regional-park--listing-8704ede8f539fb123dcc1840) — Thu, Nov 26 · 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM · Battle Creek Regional Park (east side), Saint Paul · From $22.39 · checked Oct 20. A Thanksgiving-morning trail race on the east side of Battle Creek Regional Park in St. Paul, organized by the Urban Trail Series. Alongside the 10K (8 a.m.) and 5K (9:30 a.m.)…
- [Turkey Trot St. Paul 6K & 10K along the Mississippi](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/turkey-trot-st-paul-6k-and-10k-along-the-mississippi--listing-0d2918639b132513ce607059) — Thu, Nov 26 · 7:30 AM · Upper Landing Park (start/finish), downtown St. Paul, St Paul · All ages · Paid · checked Oct 30. A Thanksgiving morning 6K or 10K along the Mississippi River in downtown St. Paul that benefits Open Door Food Shelf; billed for family, friends and community, with a finisher…
- [All Is Bright Holiday Lights Tour with Santa (open-air fun bus)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/all-is-bright-holiday-lights-tour-with-santa-open-air-fun-bus--listing-2c6a7b8bd187fc5d1cb9d67b) — Fri, Nov 27 (+9 more dates) · 5:00 PM · Drkula's (tour start and end), Inver Grove Heights · All ages · From $185 · checked Oct 30. A private open-air fun bus tour of holiday light displays with music and Santa as your chauffeur, billed as a perfect outing for families. Book the whole bus for up to 13 guests…
- [Buena Vista: A Stroll in the Park (Hudson holiday lights)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/buena-vista-a-stroll-in-the-park-hudson-holiday-lights--listing-31d97288f59ffc3a78255ef9) — Nov 27 – Feb 14 · Lakefront Park, Hudson · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. After Light Up Hudson on November 27, the lights along the shoreline of the St. Croix River in Lakefront Park stay on through February 14. The chamber suggests bundling up the…
- [Christmas at the Folsom House (Taylors Falls Lighting Festival)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/christmas-at-the-folsom-house-taylors-falls-lighting-festival--listing-335c7893ee83bdad519819b6) — Fri, Nov 27 (+2 more dates) · 4:00 PM · Folsom House, Taylors Falls · Free · checked Oct 20. During the Taylors Falls Lighting Festival, the 1855 Folsom House opens for self-guided holiday tours, with each room of the historic home decorated by a local business or…
- [History HiJinx: Thanksgiving Break at the Minnesota History Center](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/history-hijinx-thanksgiving-break-at-the-minnesota-history-center--listing-138c6b829841185eb55c39b7) — Fri, Nov 27 (+2 more dates) · 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Minnesota History Center, St. Paul · With admission · checked Oct 24. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, the Minnesota History Center runs History HiJinx drop-in family activities tied to its newest exhibit, See and Be Seen, a showcase of portraits…
- [Jingle Bells Trolley for Christmas in Excelsior](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/jingle-bells-trolley-for-christmas-in-excelsior--listing-aac006c40c769e8004fd3b16) — Fri, Nov 27 (+1 more date) · 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM · Excelsior Streetcar Line (Water Street platform) · All ages · From $4 · checked Oct 30. The Excelsior streetcar runs during Christmas in Excelsior over Thanksgiving weekend with carols, treats and postcards to Santa. Board at the Water Street platform next to the…
- [River Dazzle Holiday Celebration and Parade (River Falls, WI)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/river-dazzle-holiday-celebration-and-parade-river-falls-wi--listing-8fbc3b3e3ddda4122c5da69c) — Fri, Nov 27 · 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Downtown River Falls · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. River Falls' downtown holiday celebration, held every Friday after Thanksgiving since 1997. From 1 to 5 p.m. kids can get a free photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Junior's…
- [Ceramic Snowflake Plates family workshop](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/ceramic-snowflake-plates-family-workshop--listing-480bad274d41efef97b4fd91) — Sat, Nov 28 · 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Wayzata · Ages 8+ · From $69 · checked Oct 13. Multigenerational clay workshop with instructor Kami Young. Participants roll out clay, make their own snowflake template, cut out the plate shape and finish it with added…
- [Meet Santa at the Waconia Fire Station](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/meet-santa-at-the-waconia-fire-station--listing-9be6dde9c4a15aeece15867f) — Sat, Nov 28 · 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM · Waconia Fire Station · All ages · checked Oct 27. The City of Waconia and its fire department invite families to meet Santa at the Waconia Fire Station on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The free-flowing afternoon is set up for…
- [Tree Lighting & Small Business Saturday at 50th & France (Edina)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/tree-lighting-and-small-business-saturday-at-50th-and-france-edina--listing-d5105cf187607f53f534707a) — Sat, Nov 28 · 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM · 50th & France (W 50th St, in front of Faherty), Edina · All ages · checked Oct 30. The annual 50th & France tree lighting at 5 pm on W 50th St in front of Faherty, across from the Edina Theatre, with caroling, sleigh rides, a Santa meet and greet and The…
- [Albertville Lions Christmas in the Park and Tree Lighting](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/albertville-lions-christmas-in-the-park-and-tree-lighting--listing-813496392d5cab3efbc93b0a) — Sun, Nov 29 · 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM · Albertville Central Park · All ages · checked Oct 27. The Albertville Lions host their 12th annual Christmas in the Park at Albertville Central Park on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Families can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus…

More for families in Minneapolis: https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis.md